Sprintec and Headaches: What Users Say

• AF2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I started this birth control, Sprintec, just under two months ago. This is my first one. I have two days left this month, and I’m quitting. I have a history of stomach issues, and my periods definitely aren’t fun either. I threw up the first night I started Sprintec. I have not been myself since I started it. My stomach hurts, and I’m nauseous every day. I have really bad headaches almost every day, if not every day. I can’t sleep. My emotions are awful. I feel so depressed and anxious. I struggle to find the motivation to do anything or even live. I wanted my periods to be less painful. Now I look forward to them every month because I feel better when I’m on it than when I take the pill for the other 21 days. I desperately just want to be myself again. I don’t even know who I am anymore. I’m sure this is different for everyone, but I just can’t handle it anymore."

• Jen...
• January 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on the pill for about a year now since I switched from the Depo shot. At first, it was giving me headaches, so I started to take it right before bed. My face has cleared up a lot with the occasional zit around my period. Periods have become lighter with less cramps, and my breasts have gotten fuller. The only thing that I have noticed is my sex drive isn't what it used to be, but it could just be me."

• Ung...
• February 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 19, in a relationship and have been on Sprintec for 3 months now, and this has been the only birth control pill I've tried. This pill has been extremely effective when it comes to preventing pregnancies. Unfortunately, I have had several side effects. At first, it started off as frequent headaches, then dizzy spells, and then an increase in mood swings. The dizziness and headaches. Everything else is good, the acne and the weight and stuff are normal for me, but the mood swings are killer. I have irrational anger and crying outbursts. I have started attacking my boyfriend when I'm angry."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "When I started Sprintec, a couple of days later I started having side effects. I started being really short with my kids. Then I started going into panic mode every time they went anywhere, and they both are teenagers. And I had nothing to worry about. Then I started spotting, which I know was going to happen from reading the reviews. So I didn't mind that. But the panic attacks got worse, my chest started hurting, then I started bleeding and clotting non-stop, headaches, lightheadedness. My MD finally told me to stop taking them. I was bleeding so badly I was homebound for weeks. And I'm still bleeding some. Went from having no period to bleeding non-stop. Thank God I'm a nurse, or I would be in the hospital."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2019

For Birth Control "Just finished my second pack. For the first month, I had headaches and nausea consistently, so I started to take my pill with food and in the evenings. My period has been on time, completely painless (I had debilitating cramps previously), and very light both months. During the second pack, headaches and nausea subsided-and previously my skin was constantly breaking out, and I haven’t had a breakout in over a month, which is amazing! My boobs grew about a cup size, but I haven’t put on any additional weight (however, I do exercise regularly). I struggle with anxiety and depression in general, but have not noticed any changes or crazy mood swings, which is something I was worried about-if anything, I feel a bit more stable than usual due to the steady stream of hormones in my system."

• Spr...
• August 22, 2011

For Birth Control "I'm on my third week of Sprintec 28 and haven't had a single negative side effect. I started using it on the first day of my period, which also happened to be a Sunday (lucky me). I love it! As long as there are no side effects and nothing changes, then I'm staying on this pill forever. The only thing I noticed is that there was still light bleeding even after my period ended, but nothing big. No headaches, nausea, vomiting, mood swings, cramps, stomach pain, breast tenderness/pain, or anything! It depends on the person, you can't just judge it based on the reviews because I was scared to try it. I read so many horrible reviews, but I gave it a shot, and I am pain-free."

• Anonymous
• September 1, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for a month now and have not had a problem with weight gain, but for the first 2-3 weeks, my skin was terrible! It cleared up after that, however. I don't feel hungry as often because I almost constantly feel nauseous and have headaches. The most notable side effect is the cramps. Even though I'm not on my period, I have terrible cramps that make it feel like I am! Got to my first week of white pills and no period."

• Mia...
• February 21, 2013

For Ovarian Cysts "I have polycystic ovarian cysts. I used to be on Tri-Sprintec, the polyphasic version of this pill, and had the worst headaches from the hormone changes every week. Switching to Sprintec seems to have solved the issue. My acne and hair issues, courtesy of PCOS, have improved, and I feel better overall. I did gain about three pounds, but I started the medication shortly before the holiday season, so it could have been a product of too many parties. Definitely worth a try if you need a higher estrogen level pill. Plus, it's affordable even without insurance."

• NAa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2020

For Birth Control "Horrible experience. I was on Sprintec for a little over a month. I always had a headache and felt nauseous once I began taking it. One day out of the blue, I had serious shooting pains in my stomach, and it turns out I developed a cyst on my right ovary (never had this problem before). The doctor told me that it looked like the cyst had been there for about a month. Mind you, I just started taking the medicine a little over a month ago. I do not recommend. I normally don’t leave reviews, but I needed to share my experience and hope this helps!"

• Daa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I have used this birth control for months now, and I honestly like it. The first week I used it, it gave me really bad suicidal thoughts and made me deeply depressed. I cried mostly every night and at work. But after that week, I was totally fine except I started having really bad headaches. But every birth control comes with symptoms that only last a week or two, and you're totally fine for the rest of the months, depending on if your body accepts it or not. I don't really have acne, I haven't gained weight, my boobs look fuller, and I haven't gotten pregnant yet. Also, my period was heavy in the first month, but through the second and third month, it gets lighter and lighter, as well as the cramps. I love it. Just have a good diet, vitamins, and exercise."

• Sam...
• December 20, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for about 3 or 4 years and love it! It is my only form of birth control, and I haven't gotten pregnant yet. I was on a different pill for three months, and it gave me horrible cramps and headaches, and once I switched back to Sprintec, they went away."

• Dee...
• November 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking Sprintec at 35. The first month was horrible. I had nausea, headaches, and I felt like I had morning sickness from being pregnant. I mentioned it to my doctor, and she told me the side effects will go away, and to just ride it through. It was prescribed for me for two reasons: one, to prevent pregnancy, and two, to regulate my period. The side effects I encountered were clearer skin, better sleep, less cramps, lighter periods, higher sex drive, fewer migraines, more energy, a decrease in my PMS symptoms, and a better mood in general. I call it the miracle pill, but you just have to pass the initial side effects. The side effects went away within a few weeks, and my period was regulated within 3 months of taking this pill. It works!"

• CAT...
• July 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Sprintec for 3 years now. I switched from the depo as I didn't like what the depo was doing to my body. I had no weight gain from the depo, but I just didn't like the reviews I was reading, and the fact I had no period freaked me out. I was on the depo for 6 months (2 shots), and I stopped the depo and didn't get a period again until 6 months later. So definitely didn't like that. With Sprintec, I've had no weight gain. I do get a little emotional the last week of the pack, but I blame that on my period. No headaches. Periods are regular. My sex drive hasn't changed. Overall, I think this medication works for me. Everyone is different, so if you're experiencing anything unpleasant, definitely talk to your doctor!"

• Jaz...
• March 10, 2019

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE Sprintec!!! It was too many hormones for me. I remember days when I wouldn’t even get out of bed because of how much pain my body was in... I would take it at 10 a.m. every day, and by 11:30 a.m. I was angry, my head would spin/I was dizzy, and my vision was so bad some days it was impossible to drive. Sprintec is terrible. I had headaches so bad my eyelids hurt (sharp head pains), impaired vision, the nausea was debilitating, my breasts were swollen for 4 months, and it made me angry and combative for no reason. DON'T TAKE IT! It almost ruined my relationship, and my family members didn’t want to be near me. I would pick fights, and I was depressed for months-crying every day, suicidal thoughts, picking fights with people... and I really thought I needed help. I even went as far as reaching out to a therapist. But all along, it was that birth control... It’s the worst contraceptive pill. Now, I am on Camila, and so far it isn’t bad."

• bri...
• May 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for about 3 weeks, and it works great, and my period is regular. I have not been sick or had any negative side effects at all. But my acne has been clearing up, decreased appetite, and a little moody for the first four hours after I took the pill. I love this birth control since the ring made me really sick, gained weight, caused intense headaches, and made me bleed for two months straight at a time. I would recommend that you eat something before taking the pill to avoid headaches. Other than that, it isn't all bad for me. I think everyone needs to experience it for themselves instead of believing everything you hear or read because every experience is different. I had read over half of these reviews before I decided to take Sprintec."

• Any...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Sprintec for a year and a half. I have been on one other birth control previous to this. But with Sprintec, I can always count on my period being the same time every month down to the day. It is also a very mild period, and my cramps are about the same as they were. I also have a clear complexion. My complaints with this birth control would have to be the constant headaches, and my sex drive has decreased quite a bit. I have also been sleep deprived at night and excessively sleeping during the day. My boyfriend also says that he has seen a difference in my mood since I have started this particular birth control."

• Bew...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2019

For Birth Control "Although this medicine prevented pregnancy, I've had two pregnancy scares in 6 months due to the side effects of this pill. Nausea, exhaustion to the point of leaving work to nap, swollen breasts and nipples, bloating, cramping two weeks before the period and still during the period, headaches, waking up sweaty at night, white discharge, and heartburn. All the symptoms of pregnancy, but my period came at the exact time it always does, and my cramps are normal. Please be cautious. I told my coworker that I would be willing to stop having sex until I was married if this meant not having these scares and feeling miserable on this medicine."

• Gam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I began taking this pill in May, after having my second child. The nurse at the clinic told me to wait at least three months, as the symptoms would subside. They didn't. I have experienced irregular bleeding, heavier than normal bleeding, cramping, my skin looks worse than it ever has, the bloating is terrible - I have gained 15 pounds since starting this pill, I've had more headaches, severe fatigue, and have been just downright moody. It has done the job of preventing pregnancy, but then again it has given me the sex drive of an elderly woman. Would not recommend."

• Thi...
• May 31, 2016

For Ovarian Cysts "So I've been taking Sprintec for a month now due to different insurance. And I've had two periods within one month, I am very emotionally unstable. My ankles are swelling, I have headaches, and my sex drive is decreasing. I'm always sleepy, I never want to get up for work. My cervix was really hard and low on my period. And this has never happened before, this pill is horrible for me! I can't speak for everyone."

• Bai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I haven’t been on this medication for a long time, but so far it’s been fairly okay! I made a pro and con list of symptoms. Pros: • no babies • larger but not painful breasts • improved overall mood. (I was always very irritable and snappy, but this mellowed me out) • lost a little weight. (Could be from lack of appetite) Cons: • dull headache for a few days in a row after the 2nd pill • acne slightly became worse (should clear up) • decreasing appetite extremely (not exactly a con for me, but for some maybe) • I got a mild yeast infection that was mixed with a small, small amount of breakthrough bleeding. I’ll come back once I’ve been on it longer, but overall I like it."

• Chc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2014

For Birth Control "Started Sprintec about 4 months ago. During the first pack, I had almost daily breakthrough bleeding, but it disappeared after that. However, last week, I took my pill only 2 hours late, and I started spotting again as well as getting bad headaches, so definitely try to take it at the same time no matter what. Some weight gain, really bad mood swings during the first few months. Haven't gotten pregnant, so it's definitely an effective pill."

• Lea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I just started this pill, and I am already having so many issues. I came online to see if anyone else was experiencing the same things, and thank goodness I found these comments so I knew I wasn’t alone. Since being on Sprintec, I have had horrible headaches and painful acne. And that’s just the beginning, I have also started gaining weight even though I just started the pill. I have had major car sickness, and the worst part is that I have had some spotting and some serious mood swings. I go from crying my eyes out one minute to so mad I could scream the next. It’s making me feel anxious, depressed, irritable, and just overall not like my usual self."

• itw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2014

For Endometriosis "I had an absence of periods for 6 months, I'd be lucky to get one period a year. I thought something was really wrong with me, and I was freaked out. Luckily, I did a 10-day hormone therapy thing and then got put on birth control. You will also feel crappy the day after you take your first pill. It's normal, your body isn't used to it, so you will feel crappy. I had such a bad headache that I had to leave work early. But besides that, Sprintec has been great for me! I have a period at the end of every month, for some reason, it's the THURSDAY I start the white pills. The only side effect I've had is a yeast infection because my body wasn't used to the increase in estrogen."

• Twi...
• August 21, 2013

For Birth Control "My doctor put me on Sprintec to regulate me. I have been on it the last year and a half. My side effects were tender breasts and mild cramps the week leading up to my period, and then I'd get a headache on the day of my period, which was okay with me as it warned me it was coming. The plus side for me on this pill is my mood swings are gone. It really balances me out. Recently, I went to the doctor for a check-up, and she suggested a new birth control pill that will allow me to only have 2-day periods versus the 4-day ones I have with Sprintec, but also, I wouldn't get the sore breasts, etc., plus it is a lower dose. A week and a half into it, I was mad at the world and depressed. I am now back on Sprintec. I'd take sore boobs and a headache over mood swings any day!"

• New...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 7, 2019

For Birth Control "Overall, I’m satisfied with this pill. I remember looking at these reviews before I started the pill, and I was nervous. Sprintec works really well with my body. I get occasional headaches (when I’m starting a new pack) and moodiness, but nothing too crazy. The only reason why I didn’t give this pill a 10 is because my sex drive is much lower on this pill. I went from being in the mood most of the time to not wanting sex without being prompted. It made me super dry, so now I have to use lube, but I’ll count my blessings... I’m sure the side effects could be worse."